Headlamp adjustment

Tue Apr 05, 2005 8:45 pm

I've got the later style headlamps in my touring which have the height adjustment fitted but it seems as if the controller doesn't work.
Can anyone explain how the system works and any common faults with it? Tried a different controller, but made no difference.

Tue Apr 05, 2005 8:59 pm

Im not to sure how they work but i dont know anyone who has got one that still does, common fault on them i believe ive got at least two reciepts from previous owners for my car going to main dealer to have it repaired. But one thing i do know theres plastic tubes going to each light so i assume its some sort of vacum? but i probably totally wrong but i would also like to know.

Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:46 pm

Deffo a common problem, very rare to find a working one, the system uses an hydraulic oil, and the pipes perish and the oil leaks from the system and is no longer operative. Very difficult to repair, most guys on here either convert to manual adjusters, and a couple have used electric motors from other BMW's.
It has been brought up a few times now, do a search to find some more info on converting.

Wed Apr 06, 2005 12:02 am

It's water and antifreeze that should be in the hydraulic system, but Simon's right - they are impossible to repair at any sensible price.
The outer barrel of the hydraulic cylinder at the headlights rotates to provide headlamp adjustment. Correct aim should be just about at the limit of it's range, so you may have to remove the headlamps and adjust the inner threaded rod a bit.